The Samuel Neaman Institute for National Policy Research has released a new comprehensive report titled ” Roadmap and Key Steps for Non־Animal Protein (Plant and Alternative) Towards Israel’s Food Security 2050.” The report underscores the critical role of non-animal proteins (plant-based and alternative) in ensuring a sustainable food future for Israel. It highlights the need to reduce dependence on animal proteins, strengthen local production, and secure long-term food security.
“Israel is facing a new national security challenge—the need to ensure food security for a growing population amid challenging climate conditions and global instability,” says Prof. Eyal Shimoni, lead researcher of the study. “Non-animal proteins provide a solution that simultaneously addresses multiple challenges: self-reliance, public health, and sustainable nutrition. Our research shows that without a significant expansion of plant-based and alternative protein production, Israel cannot guarantee long-term food security.”
To schedule an interview with Prof. Eyal Shimoni: eyal@sni.technion.ac.il
The full report is available at the Samuel Neaman Institute’s website:
https://www.neaman.org.il/en/roadmap-and-key-steps-for-non-animal-protein/
Key Findings:
- Low Self-Reliance Rate: Israel heavily depends on imports of grains, legumes, and nuts, increasing its vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions.
- Significant Environmental Benefits: The report highlights that non-animal proteins dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water consumption compared to animal protein.
- Alignment with the Mediterranean Diet: Adopting Mediterranean dietary recommendations—including reduced meat consumption and increased legume intake—could significantly close the gap between current production and future demand.
- Israel’s Leadership in the Sector: While Israel is a global leader in non-animal protein innovation, the report stresses that further investment from both the government and private sector is essential.
Recommendations & Necessary Actions:
- The report calls on the government, industry, and academia to adopt policies that will position Israel as a global leader in alternative proteins. Key recommendations include:
- Developing a National Protein Diversification Strategy – Setting a target to reduce animal protein consumption to 20%-40% of total protein intake by 2050.
- Encouraging Local Legume Cultivation – Providing financial incentives and investing in breeding programs tailored to Israel’s climate.
- Investing in Research & Development – Funding research on climate-resilient crops and advanced processing technologies.
- Supporting Startups & Innovation – Expanding funding for companies developing innovative protein solutions, such as precision fermentation, mycelium and mushroom-based proteins, algae, and cultivated meat.
- Investing in Production Facilities – Allocating at least $2 billion for manufacturing infrastructure for cultivated meat and other alternative proteins.
- The study also recommends an annual allocation of $100–$200 million for R&D infrastructure, pilot production facilities, and public-private partnerships.
“Investing in non-animal protein is not just an environmental necessity but also an economic and strategic opportunity for Israel,” explains Prof. Shimoni. “We are at a critical crossroads. The Israeli food-tech industry is already leading in innovation, but substantial government support is needed to transition these technologies from research to large-scale commercial production. Israel can and should establish itself as a global leader in sustainable protein solutions.”
The authors urge policymakers to implement the report’s recommendations and initiate the proposed roadmap to ensure a resilient and sustainable food system for Israel by 2050.
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About the Samuel Neaman Institute
The Samuel Neaman Institute is a national public policy research think tank focused on harnessing higher education, science, engineering and technology for the prosperity and resilience of society and state.
